'It's too easy for the wrong people to join police force' say Milton Keynes councillors following shocking report

Leading councillors in MK have asked Thames Valley Police chief for more transparency on police vetting procedures as a national report has shown it is ‘too easy’ for the wrong people to join the force.

The call has been made following an investigation into the vetting of police officers across the country. A report, published last week by the HMICFRS, analysed over 700 police vetting files and found that:

Concerns were raised with one in seven officers that had been cleared to serve in police forces nationwide

There was evidence that police forces ignored the fact that prospective officers may present a risk to the public

Some officers had criminal records or links to organised crime

A culture of “misogyny, sexism and predatory behaviour” towards female police officers and members of the public was “prevalent” in many police forces

Today (Tuesday) the MK Labour group has asked the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber to confirm whether the force’s vetting process is up to the highest standard and is successful in preventing people with criminal records from becoming officers.

He has been asked to disclose if concerns have ever been raised about prospective officers during the vetting process, especially if they have been shown to have any serious convictions or crimes against women, and they have still been cleared to join.

Councillor Emily Darlington, Cabinet member for Healthy Communities and Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Milton Keynes South, said: “I have met dozens of local police officers over the years and they have served with dedication, professionalism and respect. However, it is shocking, and quite frankly frightening, to know that there could be officers in our police service that should have failed their checks. And it is especially worrying knowing that prejudice and predatory behaviour towards women and girls is not uncommon.”

She added: “We are working to make Milton Keynes the first White Ribbon City, as we want to end violence against women and girls. The latest report shows systematic failings within the police service and highlights how misogyny is deeply-rooted within the system, so I hope that the Police and Crime Commissioner will join me in thinking that making sure women and girls feel safe should be a key part of policing in our city.

"Today I ask that the Police and Crime Commissioner provides transparency and reassurance, which I hope will in turn increase the level of trust in the force and create a safer environment in our city.”

The HMICFRS report was ordered after the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021 by a serving Metropolitan police officer, Wayne Couzens.

Investigators looked at eight forces and found some decisions to admit officers were “questionable at best”.

Of 725 sample cases examined in the inspection, there were concerns about 131 officers cleared to serve in police forces - but HMICFRS say the true total could be much higher.

Inspector of Constabulary Matt Parr said: "It's far too easy for the wrong people to get in.”